The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will have regulated archery hunts in Oak Mountain State Park to reduce whitetail deer numbers for the sixth consecutive year.

The single day hunts are planned for Oct. 27, Nov. 10, Dec. 8 and Jan. 5, according to The Outdoor Wire.

Conservation officials have made several changes to facilitate hunting goals and increase overall deer harvest. Rules for this year's hunts include the following:

• Hunting registration will begin immediately through the Bowhunters of Alabama (BHA).

• Hunters may participate in each of the four hunts, but not more than 110 hunters will be selected per hunt.

• A $5 registration fee, a $10 per hunt fee and a $15 membership fee payable by cash or check will be collected by BHA through hunter registration. This fee will offset the costs associated with conducting the hunts. If a hunter is not selected, the hunt fees will be refunded.

• The hunter selection will take place Sept. 1. Applications received after this date will be used to fill vacancies and cancellations.

• The park will be divided into 11 zones this year, and the hunters will rank their zone preferences on the application. Once a hunter is assigned a zone, they will only be able to hunt their assigned zone.

• Hunter maps with regulation information will be provided by BHA prior to the hunt dates.

• Selected hunters must hold a valid Alabama hunting license and complete a proficiency test conducted by BHA prior to the hunts.

• Oak Mountain State Park will be closed during the four hunt days except for the golf course, which will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Persons wishing to play during that time frame may schedule a tee time in advance of the hunt days (first come, first served) by calling 205-620-2522.

Hunters have harvested 211 deer at Oak Mountain State Park since the controlled bow hunts began in 2004.

"Bowhunters who participate in these hunts realize that helping reduce deer numbers within Oak Mountain State Park will, over time, help improve herd health and vegetative habitat not only for deer but for other wildlife in the park," said ADCNR commissioner M. Barnett Lawley.

To register or for more information on the Oak Mountain State Park’s regulated deer hunting days, visit www.alabamabowhunter.com.